Nov 1st, 2007. Filed under Editorial.
Don’t squander our gains
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A month after ABC apologized and took steps to atone for the slur on Filipino doctors, some sectors in the United States still want to take more drastic steps. They want to continue with the demonstrations and plan to file a $500-million class action suit against ABC.
The split is threatening to unravel what many have already praised as a rare display of unity that followed the showing of Desperate Housewives on Sept. 30.
The doctors, who are themselves the ones directly affected by the slur, are also divided. The same is true with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) which, together with other groups, have met with ABC officials to discuss what further steps it had to take to atone for the insult. The NaFFAA leadership and some doctors groups have already accepted ABCs apology and its promise to do better in the future on the issue of diversity.
Everyone is applauding the rare display of Filipino unity in the ABC case.
Ambassador Willy C. Gaa, in a statement, said I am impressed by the speed and effectiveness in which the community has come together on this issue. He added that we have demonstrated the potential of the Filipino American community to influence events. I hope that we can further build on this display of solidarity and collective effort and harness it in support of our common interests in issues such as equity for Filipino veterans or better trading and business opportunities. Let us remain united and vigilant against all unfounded aspersions against the Filipino.
The reaction of an outraged, unified community over Desperate Housewives will go down in history as a landmark for Filipinos in America. They have never been able to unite on vital issues affecting them in the past. This unity is vitally needed in our pursuit of the case of injustice against Filipino veterans who have suffered unjustly for more than 60 years. Similarly, our collective outrage is needed to show our displeasure over the state of affairs in the Philippines. And most importantly, unity is needed to ensure our political empowerment.
It would be very unfortunate indeed if this new-found solidarity will suffer if the difference of opinion will continue to fester. Lets not squander our hard-earned gains.
